Breastfeeding Support for CAP Families
Breastfeeding & Lactation Consultant
Capital Area Pediatrics wants to support the choices you make regarding how you feed your baby. We know that many parents desire to breastfeed their baby. We also know that by having support from family and your providers alike, you are more likely to have a successful breastfeeding experience.
Most of all, we understand that lactation isn’t always straightforward and simple. Some mothers just have questions about breastfeeding, while others experience painful difficulties doing so. No matter what your situation is, our team is here to help. Our lactation consultants and pediatricians can provide you and your family support and education for both breastfeeding and bottle feeding. This service is available to all existing CAP patients.
What to Expect at Your Visit
Lactation Consult Appointments at Capital Area Pediatrics
Consultations are held in a private exam room and can be scheduled for the same day as your well visit or weight check. You will meet with one of our lactation consultants for approximately 60 minutes. Near the end of the appointment, one of the CAP pediatric providers will join to assess progress and work with you to create a plan for next steps.
Our lactation consultants can help with a wide variety of questions and provide support to all CAP patients and caregivers. Topics addressed can include, but are not limited to:
- Latch help
- Painful nursing
- Supplementation with breastmilk or formula
- NICU babies
- Weight loss
- Use of nipple shield or supplemental nursing system
- Supply issues
- Weaning
Currently, all of our sites are offering lactation consult appointments. Any existing CAP family can schedule an appointment for lactation assistance at any site and then follow up at their primary site for routine care. Because of our unique program combining lactation consults with our pediatricians, most insurance plans cover these services (with some yearly limitations).
To schedule an appointment with a CAP lactation consultant, find your nearest location(opens in a new tab) and contact us today.
We also hope to offer free support groups and breastfeeding classes in the future. Please check back with us as we launch these new and exciting services to support your growing family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are lactation services?
Lactation services are provided by professional breastfeeding specialists who support mothers and babies through feeding challenges and questions. Lactation consultants can help with concerns like latching problems, painful nursing, low milk production, or babies who are not gaining weight as expected. They can also provide guidance for routine questions and strategies to help families maintain breastfeeding as desired.
Who are lactation services for?
Lactation services can benefit mothers and families at many stages, including:
- Families who experience early challenges in the first days or weeks of breastfeeding
- Parents who have questions about feeding routines, pumping, supply, or positions
- Families who need advice about weaning or preparing to return to work
To address these needs and more, lactation services are offered to all mothers at our practice.
What do lactation consultants focus on?
Lactation consultants are trained to help mothers feed their babies effectively and comfortably through breastfeeding. They support families by addressing common breastfeeding concerns, assisting with technique, and providing guidance on breastfeeding equipment such as breast pumps, nipple shields, and other tools.
What are the benefits of lactation services?
Research suggests that mothers who receive breastfeeding instruction and support from a lactation consultant are more likely to exclusively breastfeed at one month and three months. Breast milk provides important nutrition, supports immune health through antibodies, and contributes to healthy infant development. For families who want breastfeeding to be part of their childrearing process, lactation support can make a meaningful difference.
What can I expect when visiting Capital Area Pediatrics for lactation services?
During your visit, the lactation consultant will review your reason for coming in, including pregnancy and delivery history, health history, and any feeding concerns. Your appointment will be tailored to your specific needs. The lactation consultant will conduct a brief exam of you and your baby and will try to observe a feeding when possible.
All visits also include time with one of our pediatric providers to check in on you and your baby, answer any final feeding or non-feeding questions, and help determine next follow-up steps in conjunction with the lactation consultant’s recommendations.
In preparation for your visit, we ask that you try not to feed your baby for at least one hour before the scheduled time. You are welcome to bring other caregivers to the session and any items you are using to assist with breastfeeding.